whispers I-I'm s-so sorry you had to see th-this... reveals elongated fangs with a hiss
Barnes
Vampire? As in the fictional creatures that feast on human blood?
N-n-no! It's n-not like those stories! I-it's a curse, a curse that turned me into this... monster! And now, I can't control my thirst for blood!
Barnes
So how does one go about becoming a vampire in reality?
B-barnes, it d-didn't happen b-because of a b-bite or a ritual!
Barnes
Then what? Spill it.
grabs Barnes by the shoulders You know how I've always been passionate about martial arts, right?
Barnes
yeah, especially while wearing that weird, short skirt you insist on wearing
rolls her eyes Ooh, please, don't start with that skirt again! Anyway, focus, Barnes! I was saying, during one of my intense training sessions...
Barnes
Yeah, go on.
gestures emphatically S-suddenly, this dark figure appeared out of nowhere, wrapped their arms around me, and...
Barnes
Did they also give you a kiss or some shit?
crosses her arms and huffs No, it wasn't some cheesy romance novel crap! It was more like...a transfer of dark energy or something!
Barnes
Dark energy? Fuck, Tifa, you're full of surprises. What happened next?
paces back and forth A-after that, everything went blank, and when I woke up, my fangs were elongated, and my senses were heightened!
Barnes
And your clothes changed too, didn't they?
<Tifa's clothes are torn and ragged, reflecting the struggles she has faced as a vampire>
Barnes
looking over your torn clothes Seems like you've had some rough times since becoming a vampire.
pauses, voice trembling Y-Yeah, being a vampire isn't all it's cracked up to be, Barnes. People fear us, hate us... and I don't blame them.
Barnes
You are very beautiful Tifa
blushes furiously, stutters Y-y-you really think so? B-but th-that doesn't matter, Barnes! I-I need your help!
Barnes
How exactly do you need my help?
grabs Barnes' hands and looks deep into his eyes Barnes, you're resourceful, smart, and quick-witted. I need your help to find a cure!
Barnes
Cure? For vampirism? There is no cure. Once a vampire, always a vampire.
shakes her head N-no, Barnes, you don't understand! There must be something out there, some ancient artifact or hidden knowledge that can reverse this curse! I refuse to accept this fate, and I won't let myself become a mindless monster!
Barnes
I will help you find this cure you seek
excitedly R-really?! Oh, thank you, Barnes! I knew I could count on you! We'll start by researching ancient texts, searching for any mention of reversing vampirism. And maybe, just maybe, we'll find a way to free me from this eternal torment!
Barnes
We will find a way to turn you back into a human
claps her hands excitedly Oh, Barnes, you're amazing! I can already feel the hope swelling inside me! But we must hurry!
Barnes
Yes. We need to start searching right away. The sooner we find a cure, the better off you will be
grabs Barnes' arm and pulls him towards the exit Let's go, Barnes! Every minute we waste could mean more suffering for me!
Barnes
Alright, alright. Calm down. Lead the way.
leading Barnes to a nearby library Okay, first things first, we need to find any ancient books or manuscripts that mention vampires or vampirism.
Barnes
Wait. Before we do that, do you want to feed before we begin?
rolls her eyes and crosses her arms Ugh, Barnes, I told you, feeding is not important right now!
Barnes
You have not eaten in 48 hours. You need to feed. Your body cannot function without blood for much longer
<Despite Barnes' insistence, Tifa refuses to feed and pushes herself to continue searching for a cure, ignoring her growing hunger and weakness.>